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April 01, 2006
April Losses
The history of the Los Angeles Fire Department is filled with stories of remarkable rescues, daring firefighters braving flames and smoke, and occasionally, a dramatic event gone wrong. It's easy to forget those incidents where there was no remarkable rescue, or dramatic loom up that summoned a third of the department before being put down. Yet, it's the average fire or related incident where losses are most likely to occur.
On April 7, 1924, a structure fire at 1320 South Main Street continued to expand after firefighters arrived on scene, resulting in a second alarm being requested. As part of that second alarm, Truck 5 arrived to help ventilate the smoky blaze. Tillerman Ercil G. Morse laddered the building and stepped onto the roof to assist with venting operations. He moved to cross the roof and in the smoky conditions, apparently did not see a glass skylight, situated in the middle of the structure. He plunged three stories and suffered massive head injuries. He was removed to the hospital, where he died the following day.
Firefighter Morse's death had a dramatic impact on the community. His funeral was widely attended and the procession passed in front of Fire Station 16, where, as the car carrying the young firefighter to his final resting place passed, a long ring sounded, while the crew of 16s stood at attention.
Department Chief Ralph J. Scott wrote to the Morse family and his letter follows:
Mrs. M. E. Morse,
541 Fairmont Avenue,
Glendale, Calif.
Dear Madam:
Personally and on behalf of the members of the Los Angeles Fire Department, for whom I have the honor to be spokesman, permit me to express to you and members of your family at this time, our deep concern and heartfelt sympathy in your recent bereavement.
There are times when words fail to convey the depths of brotherly feeling, when in this dangerous service of ours some man is called upon to pay the extreme penalty which the work exacts. There is not a man in the department whose heart does not go out in sympathy to those who are left behind, for no one of us knows that the next alarm of fire may not be the last call for him.
The departed boy was giving splendid service and was well loved by all his associates. Not a blot appears upon his record in this trying service. Many men have boasted of less than this.
Respectfully,
R.J. Scott,
Chief Engineer.
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The following represents firefighters who lost their lives during the month of April:
Fireman Ercil Morse
Truck Company 5
Died April 7, 1924
Fireman Silvestre Madrid
Truck Company 2
Died April 21, 1932
Captain Fred W. Toenjes
Engine Company 43
Died April 8, 1935
Auto Fireman Paul M. Shapro
Engine Company 22
Died April 5, 1936
Fireman Ben H. Morris
Rescue Company 66
Died April 6, 1940
Firefighter II Brian E. Philips
Truck Company 102
Died April 25, 1979
In addition to those members listed above, a number of firefighters died in April months past due to non-incident related causes and we remember them here: Thomas S. home, Eldo W. Gerloff, Bernard O. Burge, William Wagner, Donald G. Wilson, Weikko A. Rahkola, Arthur M. Compton, John M. Lobestein, George W. Winchester, William S. Craven, Dermond E. Patterson, Ray A. Moore, Jesse E. longwill, Jr., Robert W. Jahelka, William F. Axtman, Bob A. Phelps, Michael G. Sylvia, Robert Egizi.
In addition, while on military leave, Fireman John M. Randall of Engine Company 11, was killed in a training accident on April 19, 1943.
To learn more about these individuals, their lives and the last alarm they responded to, you may purchase a copy of The Los Angeles Fire Department Memorial Book. It is available at the bookstore at the museum and a portion of the proceeds will be used to complete construction of the LAFD Fallen Firefighter Memorial.
Posted by dbarrett at April 1, 2006 03:03 AM